A Star Is Born
Last Saturday night, Vasyl Lomachenko became a World Champion in only his 3rd pro fight, tying Saensak Muangsurin, owner of the record since 1975. Lomachenko defeated the previously unbeaten Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision in route to winning the WBO Featherweight Title. What made the win so impressive was the way in which Lomachenko started breaking down Russell from the opening round. Lomachenko attacked the body early and often with damaging blows, the effects of which, were evident in the championship rounds. His movement and ring generalship was of the highest caliber which allowed him to avoid most of Russell’s power shots which were coming at him at blistering speeds. Russell has some of the fastest hands in the business and Lomachenko was up to the challenge as he never seemed to get caught cleanly. Lomachenko banked rounds early and sustained his game plan throughout the fight. He showed great discipline by not obliging Russell in a slugfest when the moments presented themselves and fighting consistently throughout the fight. Lomachenko strategically picked the moments he would land his power shots and when he would box and move. A masterful game plan executed at the highest of levels.
Ghost Protocol- For The Love Of The Game
After over a year out of the ring, Robert Guerrero returned last Saturday night and beat a very game Yoshihiro Kamegai. We were reminded once again why we love this guy. He flat out comes to fight. He doesn’t care once he gets in there. On Saturday, he looked like he was ready to box Kamegai and after a well publicized training regimen powered by CrossFit, looked like he could go 15 rounds +. Well, that was short lived because once he tasted a solid power shot from Kamegai, all bets were off and as his last name implies; the Warrior came out. Guerrero acknowledges this, saying after the fight, “I fell into that banging again, and that’s something I got to work on. I wanted to box on the outside but I have a habit of banging anyway and exchanging anyway” Guerrero fought most of the later rounds with a cut and badly swollen left eye and exhibited visions of Rocky not only in his corner, “Ya got to cut me Mick” but also with his relentless attack “you ain’t so bad”. Yes, he loves to fight and he does it for the love of the game. Welcome back Ghost, your Warrior style was missed. Rehab that eye and don’t make us wait so long this time. God bless brother.
Thunderdome Doesn’t Disappoint
As stated in the previous article Welcome To The Thunderdome, the StuHub Center is the venue where fight of the year candidates take place. Saturday night was no different as Guerrero and Kamegai did battle for 12 rounds. This fight is now the top candidate for FOY with another StubHub fight earlier this year, Lucas Matthysse and John Molina Jr. StubHub, a modern day Colosseum of sorts, is turning into a legendary boxing venue.
Somebody’s O Must Go
This Saturday night, Yurikos Gamboa 23-0 16 KO will face WBO Lightweight Champion Terence Crawford 23-0 16 KO. Gamboa will be at a disadvantage in both height and reach but his speed could be an equalizer. The fight will be held in the Champion’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska which sometimes is not a good thing; however, Crawford’s skills should be the difference. I’m not sold on Gamboa’s chin and Crawford’s reach and speed may stop Gamboa as he works to get in close. I don’t see the title changing hands.
Honor & Glory
The July 12th fight between Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara is heating up. Canelo is on record saying that Lara “was scarred and trembling” when he confronted him back in March while Lara recent soundbite is that that “Canelo is an insecure fighter who knows he’s going to lose” This fight is not to be missed nor should the pre-fight hype Showtime series All Access which airs tomorrow.
Standing-8 